Sometimes your responsibilities as a tenant aren’t always clear with regard to apartment maintenance, like its plumbing, appliances, and heating and cooling equipment. To be on the safe side, the better idea is to treat the apartment’s plumbing and appliances as if they were your own. With careful use, you won’t need to worry about clogged pipes, broken garbage disposals, or a cooling system that won’t run.

In General

Read the lease agreement. It may specify that the tenant is responsible for repairs caused by misuse or neglect of the property. Under Texas law, the landlord is responsible for completing repairs within a timely manner when the breakdown is the result of normal wear and tear.

Plumbing System

Abusing the plumbing, especially toilets and garbage disposals, will probably end up being your responsibility. Garbage disposals aren’t meant for every kind of food scrap. If you can’t chew it yourself, it shouldn’t go into the garbage disposal. Even though some kitty litter and baby wipes say they’re flushable, they really aren’t.

Although leaking faucets don’t necessarily harm the plumbing, they do waste a good deal of water and can create moldy conditions in kitchens and bathrooms. No one expects you to repair the faucets, but it’s up to you to report them.

HVAC System

Ask your landlord to supply air filters for its cooling and heating system. If they won’t and you’re paying the energy bills for the rental, buy them out of your own pocket. Nothing drives up cooling and heating costs faster than a dirty filter.

Avoid blocking registers for spaces you’re not actively using. Doing so reduces the air flowing through the system, which harms the equipment. If your unit has an outdoor condenser, avoid placing anything on top of it or beside it that restricts its airflow. Doing so will increase cooling costs and contribute to a breakdown.

Many times, your apartment manager or landlord can answer specifics regarding what your apartment maintenance responsibilities are. If you’d like more information about its plumbing or cooling system, contact CCAC. We provide trusted HVAC services for Coastal Bend residents.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>Sometimes your responsibilities as a tenant aren’t always clear with regard to apartment maintenance, like its plumbing, appliances, and heating and cooling equipment. To be on the safe side, the better idea is to treat the apartment’s plumbing and appliances as if they were your own. With careful use, you won’t need to worry about clogged pipes, broken garbage disposals, or a cooling system that won’t run.

In General

Read the lease agreement. It may specify that the tenant is responsible for repairs caused by misuse or neglect of the property. Under Texas law, the landlord is responsible for completing repairs within a timely manner when the breakdown is the result of normal wear and tear.

Plumbing System

Abusing the plumbing, especially toilets and garbage disposals, will probably end up being your responsibility. Garbage disposals aren’t meant for every kind of food scrap. If you can’t chew it yourself, it shouldn’t go into the garbage disposal. Even though some kitty litter and baby wipes say they’re flushable, they really aren’t.
Although leaking faucets don’t necessarily harm the plumbing, they do waste a good deal of water and can create moldy conditions in kitchens and bathrooms. No one expects you to repair the faucets, but it’s up to you to report them.

HVAC System

Ask your landlord to supply air filters for its cooling and heating system. If they won’t and you’re paying the energy bills for the rental, buy them out of your own pocket. Nothing drives up cooling and heating costs faster than a dirty filter.
Avoid blocking registers for spaces you’re not actively using. Doing so reduces the air flowing through the system, which harms the equipment. If your unit has an outdoor condenser, avoid placing anything on top of it or beside it that restricts its airflow. Doing so will increase cooling costs and contribute to a breakdown.
Many times, your apartment manager or landlord can answer specifics regarding what your apartment maintenance responsibilities are. If you’d like more information about its plumbing or cooling system, contact CCAC. We provide trusted HVAC services for Coastal Bend residents.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Free-Photos/Pixabay”

Are you ready for back-to-school fun? We're sure you are, but the truth is that your home may not be. Over the summer, you've probably run your HVAC equipment good and hard, so it's time for a little maintenance. The good news is that we've done the footwork for you and come up with five quick actions to follow:

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Every homeowner needs to understand the importance of an annual check-up of his or her HVAC equipment. Hiring a professional technician to look at the system and advise any fixes will keep your equipment running at optimal performance for many years.

Check the Filters

Whether you replace your air filters or have invested in the washable kind, the end of the summer is the perfect time to check. Filters usually need to be switched out or cleaned every 1-3 months, so if you've been lax this summer, now's the time. A clean filter will help your HVAC equipment operate smoothly, which will lower your monthly utility bills.

Take a Look at the Outside Unit

It doesn't take much for the outside unit of your HVAC system to get clogged up by dirt, leaves, and other debris. When this occurs, the efficiency and effectiveness of your indoor cooling will suffer. Be sure to check the outside unit, physically remove any debris you can by hand, and then spray it down with a hose to get anything left over.

Check the Ducts

Over time, the ducts that carry the conditioned air throughout your home can develop holes and tears. This will cause you to waste money on energy that isn't helping your household one bit. Sealing any leaks you find is a pretty simple task, but you may want to call on the help of a professional HVAC technician if the job ends up being too much for you to handle.

For more expert advice on back-to-school maintenance tips, or if you have any other questions related to home comfort, please reach out to the professionals at CCAC. We've been serving the HVAC needs of the Coastal Bend since 1979.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>Are you ready for back-to-school fun? We're sure you are, but the truth is that your home may not be. Over the summer, you've probably run your HVAC equipment good and hard, so it's time for a little maintenance. The good news is that we've done the footwork for you and come up with five quick actions to follow:

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Every homeowner needs to understand the importance of an annual check-up of his or her HVAC equipment. Hiring a professional technician to look at the system and advise any fixes will keep your equipment running at optimal performance for many years.

Check the Filters

Whether you replace your air filters or have invested in the washable kind, the end of the summer is the perfect time to check. Filters usually need to be switched out or cleaned every 1-3 months, so if you've been lax this summer, now's the time. A clean filter will help your HVAC equipment operate smoothly, which will lower your monthly utility bills.

Take a Look at the Outside Unit

It doesn't take much for the outside unit of your HVAC system to get clogged up by dirt, leaves, and other debris. When this occurs, the efficiency and effectiveness of your indoor cooling will suffer. Be sure to check the outside unit, physically remove any debris you can by hand, and then spray it down with a hose to get anything left over.

Check the Ducts

Over time, the ducts that carry the conditioned air throughout your home can develop holes and tears. This will cause you to waste money on energy that isn't helping your household one bit. Sealing any leaks you find is a pretty simple task, but you may want to call on the help of a professional HVAC technician if the job ends up being too much for you to handle.
For more expert advice on back-to-school maintenance tips, or if you have any other questions related to home comfort, please reach out to the professionals at CCAC. We've been serving the HVAC needs of the Coastal Bend since 1979.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Wokandapix/Pixabay”

Too much humidity in your Corpus Christi home in the summertime is bad news. It can cause mold and mildew, and make us feel warmer than we should, so that we waste energy by turning up the air conditioner.

So how much humidity is too much? If your home feels continuously damp or you feel clammy, you probably need to look into the situation. But to be more precise, you can always purchase a low-cost hygrometer, which measures relative humidity. If the levels are consistently more than 45 percent, you probably need to take measures to reduce moisture.

Contributors to Moist Interior Air

Too-humid conditions occur for a number of reasons. It could be a leak in the ceiling or plumbing. Lots of bodies in a home can also generate moist conditions as we not only breathe out moist air and give off moisture through perspiration, but we also generate moisture through activities such as cooking, showering, flushing the toilet, washing clothes and dishes. An excessive number of plants, while good for cleaning the air, may also be a contributor.

So let's look at how we can lower your home's moisture levels with some easy remedies:

Lowering Humidity

Fix leaks. Once you realize you have a leak in plumbing or the roof or ceiling, get it fixed right away. Leaks can also occur in your air conditioner when the condensate drain is blocked, so if you hear a dripping sound in the cabinet, have it fixed.

Install exhaust ventilation to the outdoors. Exhaust fans don't cost that much to install, and can do a great job of getting rid of excess moisture from showers and flushing, as well as cooking. Just be sure the fan is vented to the outdoors and not into the attic. You can also open a window and use a portable fan to blow moisture out.

Limit shower duration.

Isolate plants in one room. Also, keep the door closed.

To learn more about controlling humidity in your home, contact CCAC Air Conditioning of Corpus Christi. We're constantly concerned about our customers.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>Too much humidity in your Corpus Christi home in the summertime is bad news. It can cause mold and mildew, and make us feel warmer than we should, so that we waste energy by turning up the air conditioner.
So how much humidity is too much? If your home feels continuously damp or you feel clammy, you probably need to look into the situation. But to be more precise, you can always purchase a low-cost hygrometer, which measures relative humidity. If the levels are consistently more than 45 percent, you probably need to take measures to reduce moisture.

Contributors to Moist Interior Air

Too-humid conditions occur for a number of reasons. It could be a leak in the ceiling or plumbing. Lots of bodies in a home can also generate moist conditions as we not only breathe out moist air and give off moisture through perspiration, but we also generate moisture through activities such as cooking, showering, flushing the toilet, washing clothes and dishes. An excessive number of plants, while good for cleaning the air, may also be a contributor.
So let's look at how we can lower your home's moisture levels with some easy remedies:

Lowering Humidity

Fix leaks. Once you realize you have a leak in plumbing or the roof or ceiling, get it fixed right away. Leaks can also occur in your air conditioner when the condensate drain is blocked, so if you hear a dripping sound in the cabinet, have it fixed.

Install exhaust ventilation to the outdoors. Exhaust fans don't cost that much to install, and can do a great job of getting rid of excess moisture from showers and flushing, as well as cooking. Just be sure the fan is vented to the outdoors and not into the attic. You can also open a window and use a portable fan to blow moisture out.

Limit shower duration.

Isolate plants in one room. Also, keep the door closed.

To learn more about controlling humidity in your home, contact CCAC Air Conditioning of Corpus Christi. We're constantly concerned about our customers.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “coyot/Pixabay”

If you've made an offer to buy a home, it likely contains an inspection contingency so you can identify any concerning issues before you close. During this due diligence period, it's wise have a qualified professional perform an HVAC inspection in addition to having a routine home inspection done. This is essential because the HVAC system accounts for almost half of the average home's energy consumption, and its condition also affects your comfort.

Having your HVAC system professionally evaluated can give you the answers to these important questions:

Is the System Well Maintained?

During an inspection, an HVAC professional can tell whether or not the heating and cooling system components have had preventive maintenance performed on a regular basis. If the system has been checked, tuned-up and cleaned regularly, you can expect it to perform more reliably and retain its efficiency.

How Old is the Equipment?

A pro can assess the HVAC equipment and tell you its approximate age, so you'll know if it's approaching the end of its useful lifespan and whether you're likely to face a costly replacement in the near future.

How Efficient is the Equipment?

The efficiency of the existing equipment impacts how much you'll pay for heating and cooling, so it's helpful to have an HVAC specialist verify the efficiency rating. It's important to keep in mind that the efficiency rating is only one factor to consider; the equipment's age and whether it has been properly maintained over its lifetime also affect your operating costs going forward.

Have Efficiency-Boosting Updates Been Made?

In addition to assessing the individual components, an HVAC pro can question the seller and investigate whether any steps have been taken to improve the home's overall heating and cooling efficiency. This can help you determine:

If you're buying a home in the Coastal Bend and need an expert HVAC inspection, contact us today at CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>If you've made an offer to buy a home, it likely contains an inspection contingency so you can identify any concerning issues before you close. During this due diligence period, it's wise have a qualified professional perform an HVAC inspection in addition to having a routine home inspection done. This is essential because the HVAC system accounts for almost half of the average home's energy consumption, and its condition also affects your comfort.
Having your HVAC system professionally evaluated can give you the answers to these important questions:

Is the System Well Maintained?

During an inspection, an HVAC professional can tell whether or not the heating and cooling system components have had preventive maintenance performed on a regular basis. If the system has been checked, tuned-up and cleaned regularly, you can expect it to perform more reliably and retain its efficiency.

How Old is the Equipment?

A pro can assess the HVAC equipment and tell you its approximate age, so you'll know if it's approaching the end of its useful lifespan and whether you're likely to face a costly replacement in the near future.

How Efficient is the Equipment?

The efficiency of the existing equipment impacts how much you'll pay for heating and cooling, so it's helpful to have an HVAC specialist verify the efficiency rating. It's important to keep in mind that the efficiency rating is only one factor to consider; the equipment's age and whether it has been properly maintained over its lifetime also affect your operating costs going forward.

Have Efficiency-Boosting Updates Been Made?

In addition to assessing the individual components, an HVAC pro can question the seller and investigate whether any steps have been taken to improve the home's overall heating and cooling efficiency. This can help you determine:

If you're buying a home in the Coastal Bend and need an expert HVAC inspection, contact us today at CCAC.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “paulbr75/Pixabay”

It’s easy to take indoor air quality for granted, but in fact, the EPA has found that indoor air is among the most polluted many people encounter. Natural and chemical pollutants tend to concentrate when there isn’t enough fresh air ventilation, an increasingly serious problem in energy efficient homes and buildings.

Outside Sources

Vehicle and yard equipment. People who live next to busy streets or have attached garages often experience higher levels of vehicle exhaust in their homes. Using gas-powered yard equipment with a window open can bring in harmful pollutants.

Dust. Open windows on windy days will bring in dust and pollen particulates.

Indoor Sources

Humidity. Controlling humidity in this region is crucial for good air quality. High humidity contributes to conditions that foster mold, bacterial and viral growths indoors.

Airborne particulates. Dust is a combination of shed skin cells, lint, dust from the outdoors, pet dander and other microscopic particles created inside your home.

Vermin. Mouse and cockroach waste pollute indoor air and carry harmful bacteria. Dust mite waste is another common indoor air pollutant and is the most common trigger for allergies and asthma. Homes with a lot of carpeting, upholstered furniture and fabric window coverings tend to have more serious dust mite problems.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many consumer products contain VOCs that can cause health problems of varying degrees, from sore throats to cancer or nerve damage. Cleaning products, paint, new flooring and furniture, anything perfumed, candles, makeup, and many plastics have VOCs. Before purchasing home improvement products, especially, look for labels that state they’re low in VOCs or clean-air compliant.

Carbon monoxide (CO) and radon. If you have a gas water heater or clothes dryer, you may be exposed to CO year-round in case they’re not properly vented. Although the Coastal Bend has a low incidence of soil-borne radon, it could be present in your home’s air, especially if you have a basement.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>It’s easy to take indoor air quality for granted, but in fact, the EPA has found that indoor air is among the most polluted many people encounter. Natural and chemical pollutants tend to concentrate when there isn’t enough fresh air ventilation, an increasingly serious problem in energy efficient homes and buildings.

Outside Sources

Vehicle and yard equipment. People who live next to busy streets or have attached garages often experience higher levels of vehicle exhaust in their homes. Using gas-powered yard equipment with a window open can bring in harmful pollutants.

Dust. Open windows on windy days will bring in dust and pollen particulates.

Indoor Sources

Humidity. Controlling humidity in this region is crucial for good air quality. High humidity contributes to conditions that foster mold, bacterial and viral growths indoors.

Airborne particulates. Dust is a combination of shed skin cells, lint, dust from the outdoors, pet dander and other microscopic particles created inside your home.

Vermin. Mouse and cockroach waste pollute indoor air and carry harmful bacteria. Dust mite waste is another common indoor air pollutant and is the most common trigger for allergies and asthma. Homes with a lot of carpeting, upholstered furniture and fabric window coverings tend to have more serious dust mite problems.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many consumer products contain VOCs that can cause health problems of varying degrees, from sore throats to cancer or nerve damage. Cleaning products, paint, new flooring and furniture, anything perfumed, candles, makeup, and many plastics have VOCs. Before purchasing home improvement products, especially, look for labels that state they’re low in VOCs or clean-air compliant.

Carbon monoxide (CO) and radon. If you have a gas water heater or clothes dryer, you may be exposed to CO year-round in case they’re not properly vented. Although the Coastal Bend has a low incidence of soil-borne radon, it could be present in your home’s air, especially if you have a basement.

Fortunately, your HVAC system can eliminate many issues that contribute to poor indoor air quality. To learn more, contact CCAC, Inc., providing trusted HVAC services for Coastal Bend homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”

Are you tired of paying high energy bills in your Corpus Christi-area home? If so, the first step toward getting your bills under control is learning more about the household equipment and appliances that use the most energy and ways to curb their consumption.

HVAC Equipment

Heating and cooling accounts for close to half of the total energy usage in the average home, so ensuring that your HVAC system operates efficiently is vital to lowering your bills. You should have the equipment assessed to make sure it's properly sized, keep it well maintained with annual professional tuneups, get the ductwork sealed and insulated and change the air filter regularly, too. When the time comes for replacement, opt for Energy Star-certified models with the highest efficiency rating that fits within your budget.

Water Heater

In a typical household, water heating represents up to 18 percent of total annual energy usage. You can trim this by using less hot water: run the dishwasher instead of hand washing, always use cold water when doing laundry, and take shorter showers. Additionally, adjust the water heater's thermostat down to 120 degrees, and add an insulated jacket if it's an older model.

Electronics and Miscellaneous Appliances

The plethora of electronic devices and small appliances in today's homes account for 11 to 18 percent of yearly energy consumption. Such items keep burning energy when they're not in use, but you can curtail this waste by unplugging them or putting them on power strips and shutting them down after every use.

Refrigerator

You may not realize that keeping food cold can represent up to nine percent of your home's overall energy consumption. If you use an older model as a second fridge, you're wasting a significant amount of energy, since units made prior to 2001 are much less efficient than new models. The easiest way to lower your related energy bills is to have only one refrigerator, and when it's due for replacement, invest in an Energy Star-certified model.

To learn more effective ways to lower the energy bills in your Coastal Bend home, contact us at CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>Are you tired of paying high energy bills in your Corpus Christi-area home? If so, the first step toward getting your bills under control is learning more about the household equipment and appliances that use the most energy and ways to curb their consumption.

HVAC Equipment

Heating and cooling accounts for close to half of the total energy usage in the average home, so ensuring that your HVAC system operates efficiently is vital to lowering your bills. You should have the equipment assessed to make sure it's properly sized, keep it well maintained with annual professional tuneups, get the ductwork sealed and insulated and change the air filter regularly, too. When the time comes for replacement, opt for Energy Star-certified models with the highest efficiency rating that fits within your budget.

Water Heater

In a typical household, water heating represents up to 18 percent of total annual energy usage. You can trim this by using less hot water: run the dishwasher instead of hand washing, always use cold water when doing laundry, and take shorter showers. Additionally, adjust the water heater's thermostat down to 120 degrees, and add an insulated jacket if it's an older model.

Electronics and Miscellaneous Appliances

The plethora of electronic devices and small appliances in today's homes account for 11 to 18 percent of yearly energy consumption. Such items keep burning energy when they're not in use, but you can curtail this waste by unplugging them or putting them on power strips and shutting them down after every use.

Refrigerator

You may not realize that keeping food cold can represent up to nine percent of your home's overall energy consumption. If you use an older model as a second fridge, you're wasting a significant amount of energy, since units made prior to 2001 are much less efficient than new models. The easiest way to lower your related energy bills is to have only one refrigerator, and when it's due for replacement, invest in an Energy Star-certified model.
To learn more effective ways to lower the energy bills in your Coastal Bend home, contact us at CCAC.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “deeptuts/Pixabay”

Copper pipes mean it’s very unlikely you’ll face an expensive re-piping project in a home you purchase. For many years, galvanized steel plumbing was installed in residences. Unfortunately, these pipes have not stood the test of time and are now deteriorating and rupturing. Home inspectors usually recommend replacing galvanized steel to avoid water damage to the structure and contents of the house.

This can be a meaningful expense that should be taken into account when calculating the initial cost of any house you may be considering purchasing. Conversely, where copper pipes are already installed, that fact can be a positive indicator to take into account when making a buying decision.

Here are some advantages of copper piping in residential applications:

Copper is the recognized standard for home plumbing. These pipes provide superior durability and are estimated to last at least 50 years. In fact, copper is the only plumbing material that comes with a 50-year warranty. Copper far surpasses old galvanized steel as well as newer synthetic alternatives which don’t yet have a proven service life expectancy.

Copper resists rusting and corrosion that insidiously degrades the interior surfaces of steel pipes, leading to water leakage and damaging ruptures. Under typical municipal water pressure, a broken water supply pipe can inundate a home with hundreds of gallons of water per hour, inflicting expensive damage.

Installation of copper plumbing is simplified because the material is light yet rigid and requires fewer support brackets. Spans of copper are easily and quickly joined with lead-free solder.

Copper does not contain toxins such as glues or solvents that could enter your drinking water and pose a potential health issue.

If you decide to sell the house in the future, a copper plumbing system can add value to your asking price.

Copper piping typically outlasts the structure where it’s installed. Someday, when the house is demolished, the copper pipes can be recycled.

For more about the benefits of copper pipes for residences in the Coastal Bend, ask the professionals at CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>Copper pipes mean it’s very unlikely you’ll face an expensive re-piping project in a home you purchase. For many years, galvanized steel plumbing was installed in residences. Unfortunately, these pipes have not stood the test of time and are now deteriorating and rupturing. Home inspectors usually recommend replacing galvanized steel to avoid water damage to the structure and contents of the house.
This can be a meaningful expense that should be taken into account when calculating the initial cost of any house you may be considering purchasing. Conversely, where copper pipes are already installed, that fact can be a positive indicator to take into account when making a buying decision.
Here are some advantages of copper piping in residential applications:

Copper is the recognized standard for home plumbing. These pipes provide superior durability and are estimated to last at least 50 years. In fact, copper is the only plumbing material that comes with a 50-year warranty. Copper far surpasses old galvanized steel as well as newer synthetic alternatives which don’t yet have a proven service life expectancy.

Copper resists rusting and corrosion that insidiously degrades the interior surfaces of steel pipes, leading to water leakage and damaging ruptures. Under typical municipal water pressure, a broken water supply pipe can inundate a home with hundreds of gallons of water per hour, inflicting expensive damage.

Installation of copper plumbing is simplified because the material is light yet rigid and requires fewer support brackets. Spans of copper are easily and quickly joined with lead-free solder.

Copper does not contain toxins such as glues or solvents that could enter your drinking water and pose a potential health issue.

If you decide to sell the house in the future, a copper plumbing system can add value to your asking price.

Copper piping typically outlasts the structure where it’s installed. Someday, when the house is demolished, the copper pipes can be recycled.

For more about the benefits of copper pipes for residences in the Coastal Bend, ask the professionals at CCAC.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Jhonatan_Perez/Pixabay”

When you buy a new HVAC system for your Corpus Christi home, several factors that will affect the final cost of the equipment and installation. Here are some of the more common things that will influence HVAC costs for new installations or upgrades:

Size of your home

The larger your home, the more likely it is that you will need to pay more for new HVAC equipment. A structure such as a house will have a heating and cooling load, which is the amount of heating and cooling needed to keep the interior at the temperature you prefer. HVAC systems must be sized to meet that load, meaning that they must have the functional capacity to produce the amount of heating and cooling needed. If you are conditioning a larger space, you'll have a greater heating/cooling load and will need a system with greater capacity to meet it.

Equipment efficiency

Many current HVAC systems have a high level of efficiency — they cost less to operate than older models. If you decide to go for HVAC equipment that is even more efficient, you'll pay more as efficiency ratings increase. High-efficiency equipment will cost much less to operate, however, and you can often recover the investment in HVAC costs within a few years through monthly savings.

Type of equipment

Whether you choose an air conditioner or a heat pump will affect costs. Further, an air-source heat pump is likely to cost less than a geothermal model. However, there are trade-offs in efficiency, operating costs, and performance that you should consider as you make your choice.

CCAC stands for Constantly Concerned About Customers, an HVAC company serving Corpus Christi and the neighboring Texas communities. Contact us today for information on HVAC costs and for professional help finding the most economical but most effective heating and cooling system for your budget.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>When you buy a new HVAC system for your Corpus Christi home, several factors that will affect the final cost of the equipment and installation. Here are some of the more common things that will influence HVAC costs for new installations or upgrades:

Size of your home

The larger your home, the more likely it is that you will need to pay more for new HVAC equipment. A structure such as a house will have a heating and cooling load, which is the amount of heating and cooling needed to keep the interior at the temperature you prefer. HVAC systems must be sized to meet that load, meaning that they must have the functional capacity to produce the amount of heating and cooling needed. If you are conditioning a larger space, you'll have a greater heating/cooling load and will need a system with greater capacity to meet it.

Equipment efficiency

Many current HVAC systems have a high level of efficiency — they cost less to operate than older models. If you decide to go for HVAC equipment that is even more efficient, you'll pay more as efficiency ratings increase. High-efficiency equipment will cost much less to operate, however, and you can often recover the investment in HVAC costs within a few years through monthly savings.

Type of equipment

Whether you choose an air conditioner or a heat pump will affect costs. Further, an air-source heat pump is likely to cost less than a geothermal model. However, there are trade-offs in efficiency, operating costs, and performance that you should consider as you make your choice.
CCAC stands for Constantly Concerned About Customers, an HVAC company serving Corpus Christi and the neighboring Texas communities. Contact us today for information on HVAC costs and for professional help finding the most economical but most effective heating and cooling system for your budget.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “3dman_eu/Pixabay”

All too often, buying new HVAC equipment is a rush decision that's done out of necessity when an older component fails unexpectedly. Since this essential equipment impacts your comfort, well-being and energy costs, it's better to plan your purchase in advance and avoid the following common mistakes.

Purchasing Under or Oversized Equipment

Buying equipment that's too small or too large for your home can cause unnecessary energy waste, difficulty maintaining comfort and even lead to breakdowns or premature failures. Rather than going with the same capacity of your current equipment, or relying on inaccurate “rule of thumb” sizing, make sure your HVAC installer performs a detailed load calculation to determine the correct size needed.

Choosing Your Equipment and Installer Based on Price Alone

Going with the lowest price works for many household purchases, but it's not the best strategy for buying new HVAC equipment. You can lose out on potential energy savings because the least expensive HVAC models are usually the least efficient, and a low-cost contractor may not have the skills or experience to properly size or install the equipment, which can negatively impact its performance and energy consumption over the long term.

Neglecting Essential Maintenance

Routine maintenance is vital to keep your new equipment running reliably and at optimal efficiency, and it protects your manufacturer's warranty coverage too. Since it's easy to neglect to schedule maintenance visits when you have new equipment, it's wise to sign a yearly maintenance agreement with a reputable local HVAC contractor.

Not Investigating the Latest Equipment Features

A new equipment purchase is an opportunity to look at different models and compare the latest advancements in technology that can boost your comfort, provide better humidity control, as well as help you save energy and lower your yearly heating or cooling costs. Depending on the exact type of equipment you're buying, you should investigate and weigh the benefits of features like smart controls, EMC motors, variable speed blowers, two-stage compressors and zoning.

For more expert advice to help you avoid mistakes when you're buying HVAC equipment for your Coastal Bend home, contact us at CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>All too often, buying new HVAC equipment is a rush decision that's done out of necessity when an older component fails unexpectedly. Since this essential equipment impacts your comfort, well-being and energy costs, it's better to plan your purchase in advance and avoid the following common mistakes.

Purchasing Under or Oversized Equipment

Buying equipment that's too small or too large for your home can cause unnecessary energy waste, difficulty maintaining comfort and even lead to breakdowns or premature failures. Rather than going with the same capacity of your current equipment, or relying on inaccurate “rule of thumb” sizing, make sure your HVAC installer performs a detailed load calculation to determine the correct size needed.

Choosing Your Equipment and Installer Based on Price Alone

Going with the lowest price works for many household purchases, but it's not the best strategy for buying new HVAC equipment. You can lose out on potential energy savings because the least expensive HVAC models are usually the least efficient, and a low-cost contractor may not have the skills or experience to properly size or install the equipment, which can negatively impact its performance and energy consumption over the long term.

Neglecting Essential Maintenance

Routine maintenance is vital to keep your new equipment running reliably and at optimal efficiency, and it protects your manufacturer's warranty coverage too. Since it's easy to neglect to schedule maintenance visits when you have new equipment, it's wise to sign a yearly maintenance agreement with a reputable local HVAC contractor.

Not Investigating the Latest Equipment Features

A new equipment purchase is an opportunity to look at different models and compare the latest advancements in technology that can boost your comfort, provide better humidity control, as well as help you save energy and lower your yearly heating or cooling costs. Depending on the exact type of equipment you're buying, you should investigate and weigh the benefits of features like smart controls, EMC motors, variable speed blowers, two-stage compressors and zoning.
For more expert advice to help you avoid mistakes when you're buying HVAC equipment for your Coastal Bend home, contact us at CCAC.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

It's a safe bet to say that no homeowner enjoys seeing insects or arachnids inside their house. Not only do many of these critters spread germs and disease, the smallest ones can get into your HVAC unit and clog it up. That's why it's important to bug proof your home. To help you out, we've compiled a few quick tips to do exactly that:

Tip #1: Seal Doors and Windows

More often than not, bugs slip in through small cracks around your home. Many of these areas can be found around the edges of your doors and windows. It's a good idea to check each one and seal any problem areas you find.

Tip #2: Seal Your Foundation

In addition to checking around your doors and windows, it's important to take a look at the foundation of your home for any cracks. Rotting wood and broken bricks provide a perfect opportunity for tiny pests to sneak in and start spreading germs.

Tip #3: Seal Your HVAC Unit

Are you seeing a trend here? The simple truth is that bugs most often get into our homes through cracks and gaps. If you have a window HVAC unit installed, you'll often have insects and arachnids getting inside. This can clog up your system and lower its efficiency. To fix this problem, simply seal any gaps between the wall and the unit itself. Need assistance? Call on the help of a professional HVAC technician.

Tip #4: Clean Up Your Yard

Bugs love nothing more than the piles of debris in your yard. They gather there in droves. Some of them - like mosquitoes - are attracted to standing water. In other words, when your yard is unkempt, it increases the chance for small creatures to find their way into your home. You can fix this problem by cleaning on a regular basis.

For more expert advice on how to bug proof your home, or if you have other questions related to home comfort, please reach out to the professionals at CCAC. We currently serve the HVAC needs of the Coastal Bend and the surrounding areas.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

]]>It's a safe bet to say that no homeowner enjoys seeing insects or arachnids inside their house. Not only do many of these critters spread germs and disease, the smallest ones can get into your HVAC unit and clog it up. That's why it's important to bug proof your home. To help you out, we've compiled a few quick tips to do exactly that:

Tip #1: Seal Doors and Windows

More often than not, bugs slip in through small cracks around your home. Many of these areas can be found around the edges of your doors and windows. It's a good idea to check each one and seal any problem areas you find.

Tip #2: Seal Your Foundation

In addition to checking around your doors and windows, it's important to take a look at the foundation of your home for any cracks. Rotting wood and broken bricks provide a perfect opportunity for tiny pests to sneak in and start spreading germs.

Tip #3: Seal Your HVAC Unit

Are you seeing a trend here? The simple truth is that bugs most often get into our homes through cracks and gaps. If you have a window HVAC unit installed, you'll often have insects and arachnids getting inside. This can clog up your system and lower its efficiency. To fix this problem, simply seal any gaps between the wall and the unit itself. Need assistance? Call on the help of a professional HVAC technician.

Tip #4: Clean Up Your Yard

Bugs love nothing more than the piles of debris in your yard. They gather there in droves. Some of them - like mosquitoes - are attracted to standing water. In other words, when your yard is unkempt, it increases the chance for small creatures to find their way into your home. You can fix this problem by cleaning on a regular basis.
For more expert advice on how to bug proof your home, or if you have other questions related to home comfort, please reach out to the professionals at CCAC. We currently serve the HVAC needs of the Coastal Bend and the surrounding areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.Credit/Copyright Attribution: “rikiedr/Pixabay”